News Summary
In St. Petersburg, Florida, the ‘Black History Matters’ mural was quickly repainted after its removal by state crews under a controversial law. Activists and local leaders have protested against the removal of murals representing Black history, sparking a broader debate about public art and representation. Despite the state’s claims of safety concerns, community members remain committed to preserving these vital cultural symbols, and further protests are planned to advocate for their rights.
St. Petersburg, Florida – The “Black History Matters” mural was repainted on a street in St. Petersburg, Florida, on September 4, 2025, less than 24 hours after it was removed by state crews. The mural, which stands outside the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, was initially taken down as part of a controversial directive from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to remove street murals across the state.
The FDOT’s removal of the mural occurred over Labor Day weekend, citing safety concerns as the justification for the action. This decision was made following a state law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in June 2025, which mandates the removal of street art from public roadways. DeSantis has issued warnings that non-compliance with this law could result in the withholding of state funding.
As crews worked to remove the mural, two local pastors, Ben Atherton-Zeman and Andy Oliver, were arrested for kneeling in prayer on the mural’s location as a protest. Atherton-Zeman attempted to pray throughout the night, intending to sleep at the site but was only permitted to pray for an estimated ten minutes before being taken into custody. He later expressed that facing arrest was a worthwhile sacrifice to protect the mural, emphasizing the importance of preserving Black history and its representation in educational settings.
Activists quickly responded to the mural’s removal, creating temporary chalk art in the area to symbolize their opposition to the erasure of the mural. The original “Black Lives Matter” mural was first painted in 2020 and was later transformed into the “Black History Matters” mural in 2023, featuring contributions from various artists who aimed to celebrate African American history.
Following the repainted mural’s brief return, FDOT crews covered the street mural again just hours later, this time repainting it in black while being accompanied by a police presence. St. Petersburg city officials had previously requested exemptions to keep several vital murals, including those that celebrate Black history and LGBTQ+ pride, but these requests were denied by the FDOT.
In light of the ongoing removal of murals and street art, local community leaders and activists are planning further protests and events aimed at advocating for the preservation of murals that highlight Black history and cultural pride. There is a strong intent to create more chalk art to bring attention to the importance of these messages in the community.
The contentious removal of the “Black History Matters” mural has sparked widespread debate about the representation of Black history in public spaces and the government’s authority to censor such expressions. DeSantis has publicly asserted his position against the presence of murals carrying political messaging on state roads, emphasizing that roadways should be free of ideological influences.
The events surrounding the mural’s removal and subsequent repaint highlight a growing tension in the community regarding the representation of historical narratives and the rights of citizens to express those narratives in public art. As instances of mural removals continue, the local community remains engaged and determined to advocate for their cultural and historical symbols.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Florida’s Removal of Rainbow Crosswalks Faces Backlash
Black History Matters Mural Reappears Amid Protests
Local Pastors Arrested Protesting Removal of Mural
Controversy Over Mural Removals in St. Petersburg
Pastors Arrested at Prayer Vigil for Black History Mural
Pastors Arrested Over Removal of Black History Mural in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg Protests Removal of Cultural Murals
Tampa Bay Communities Protest Street Art Removals
Pastors Arrested for Protesting Removal of ‘Black History Matters’ Mural
Labor Day Protest Planned in St. Petersburg Over Mural Removals
Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: Black History Matters Mural Returns
- Wikipedia: Black History
- WFLA: St. Pete’s Black History Matters Mural Repainted
- Google Search: Black History Mural St Petersburg
- Black Enterprise: Black History Matters Mural Repainted
- Google Scholar: Black History Murals
- The Independent: Florida Black History Mural
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Street Art
- WTSP: Black History Matters Mural Repainted in Protest
- Google News: Florida Mural Controversy
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
